Kanye and Amy lead Grammys field

Kanye and Amy lead Grammys field

Kanye West and Amy Winehouse

West and Winehouse have both had a dramatic few months

US rapper Kanye West leads the pack at the 50th Grammy Awards after receiving eight nominations.

But British singer Amy Winehouse is not far behind, having been shortlisted in six categories including record, album and song of the year.

Five acts - rock band the Foo Fighters, rapper Jay-Z, producer Timbaland, R&B singer T-Pain and Justin Timberlake - received five nominations each.

The prestigious awards will be held in Los Angeles on 10 February.

Record of the year candidates include Beyonce's Irreplaceable, Rihanna's ubiquitous Umbrella and Winehouse's defiant hit Rehab.

Rehab is also up for song of the year - a songwriting award - alongside Corinne Bailey Rae's Like a Star.

West's Graduation album will vie with Winehouse's Back to Black record and the Foo Fighters' Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace for the album of the year prize.

Winehouse's other nominations include citations in the best newcomer and best pop vocal album categories.

Winehouse and West's nominations come after a dramatic few months for both artistes.

Last month the former called off all gigs and other public appearances for the remainder of 2007 after a series of shambolic concerts.

West, meanwhile, has had to deal with the death of his mother after complications following surgery.

Other categories announced include best rock, R&B, rap, classical and country albums.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7131416.stm